Television fun away from the couch

This summer, TV Asahi and Roppongi Hills are working together to get you off the sofa and into the sun while still enjoying some of your favorite television programs.

This is the collaboration’s first grand-scale event, which is aimed at all ages and features music, anime, drama and sports in the Roppongi Hills area. Different artists will perform daily at Summer Station Music Live, including music groups such as Dempagumi.inc, Root Five and Knock Out Monkey in July, and May.J, X21, Super Girls and others in August. The Anime Heroes Stage Show features performances by some of Japan’s favorite TV characters, including HappinessCharge Precure!, Kamen Rider Gaim, Ressha Sentai ToQger and Doraemon.

At Arena Kitchen, visitors can watch the Local Foods Sales Ranking segment from the popular TV show “Onegai Ranking” (literally translated as “Please Ranking”) as well as enjoy Doraemon goods and foods, and TV Asahi announcer-themed crepes and smoothies.

The TV Asahi building is also hosting attractions, goods shops and special tours — all related to their most popular programming. And if all this is too much out-and-about fun in the summer heat, special kakigōri shaved-ice desserts are being served at nearby Copen Local Base Roppongi, whose collection of mouth-watering toppings include cherry, cream cheese and milk.

TV Asahi Roppongi Hills Summer Station takes place at Roppongi Hills from July 19 to Aug. 24. Admission is free, but reservations are needed for various attractions and require a processing fee of ¥108. Reservations can made from 10 a.m. three days in advance at Lawson and Mini Stop Loppi machines. For more information, visit www.tv-asahi.co.jp/summerstation.